Britain's leading trade union today refused to give its backing to an important Labour document for government at the National Policy Forum gathering in Nottingham.

Unite was unable to back the document in full as it clearly crossed the union's red lines. This included around workers' rights in collective bargaining - an area which needs root and branch change, not just tinkering around the edges – as well as workers' access to unions and a weakening of language around zero hours contracts.

The process in Nottingham was chaotic with an attempt to push through changes to the policy document without first sharing them with conference participants, including Unite.

As in any negotiation, you simply don't sign up to something without all the detail and understanding of the impact it will have on our members and workers more widely.

As the general election draws nearer Keir Starmer has to prove Labour will deliver for workers and we need clear policies on this.

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065. 

Email: Ryan.Fletcher@unitetheunion,.org

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion

Web: unitetheunion.org 

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.